Why go to a dog park?

There is an increasing issue of members of the Dog Park not cleaning
up after their animals. When the Sequim Dog Park Pals and
local citizens proposed the idea of the Dog Park, your group assured
the Citizens Park Advisory Board that you would be “self
policing” of Park users.

Dog parks give dogs an
opportunity to socialize with other humans.

A dog accustomed to
meeting humans is less likely to have a fear response
toward strangers.

Dog parks give dogs an opportunity to
socialize with other dogs.

Dogs will not feel the need to
display dominance if they are comfortable meeting other
dogs.

Dog parks allow dogs to get strenuous exercise, something
not easy to do in an on-leash situation.

An exercised dog is healthier, and
less prone to anxiety behaviors like repetitive barking
or destroying property.

Dog parks have a positive effect on their owners

Dogs are a great ice-breaker. A dog
park promotes friendships and a feeling of belonging to
a community. Owning a dog encourages people to exercise.
Taking a dog out has also been found to stimulate social
interaction with other people (Journal of Nutrition and
the Elderly, 1996).

A growing number of dog owners take their pets with them
when traveling.

Offering a safe, off leash area for
visitors to our community will enhance the tourism
experience. People are more likely to stay in an area
that is dog-friendly when traveling with their pet.

According to a national
survey, nearly all pet owners say companionship, love,
company and affection are the number one benefits to owning
a pet. Fifty-nine percent say pets are good for their health
and the health of their family and help them relax. Forty
percent say that owning a dog motivates them to exercise on
a regular basis. It is universally agreed that pet owners
are health conscious, like to look their best, like to
exercise with their pet, are happy and maintain a well
organized home.
New figures just released from American Pet Products
Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2005-2006 National Pet
Owners Survey (NPOS) show pet ownership is currently at its
highest level, with 63 percent of all U.S. households owning
a pet which equates to more than 69 million households.

Three-quarters of dog owners consider their dog like a child
or family member.

Spending time with one's pet is considered an extremely
important leisure activity.

Why Do Dogs Need Open Space

The benefits of allowing dogs access to public
open space are not self-evident and warrant closer examination. It
is important to understand that they apply not only to dogs and
their owners but also to the wider community as well as to those
responsible for urban animal management.

The most obvious reason why dogs need access to public open space is
because of their popularity. Dog owners are a substantial group of
park users. A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association
shows that 36% of American households have at least one dog.
Other estimates are even higher.

Other groups - skateboarders, softball teams, even radio-controlled
model boats, for example - have been given special consideration in
view of their unique park needs. The overwhelming numbers of dogs
and dog owners would seem to warrant specific consideration for them
as well.

The second reason has to do with the link between open space for
dogs and promoting acceptable behavior from dogs. Dogs need to be
properly socialized in appropriate behavior (Canine Behavior, 1965).
They also need regular outings to reduce boredom and pent-up energy
at home. Access to a park close to home is the safest and most
effective way to ensure that owners socialize their dogs and provide
them with on-going experiences in the outside world. This not only
benefits the dog and its owner but also neighbors who are affected
by unacceptable behavior at home, other park and street users, and
authorities responsible for urban animal management.

The third reason why dogs need access to public open space is for
the positive effects it can have on their owners. Owning a dog
encourages people to exercise and visit their local park. Taking a
dog out has also been found to stimulate social interaction with
other people (Journal of Nutrition and the Elderly, 1996).

The final reason is that a balanced approach to accommodating dog
owners in public open space may achieve higher levels of compliance
by dog owners with relevant laws. If dog owners perceive laws to be
unfair it may elicit a defiant rather than a compliant response from
dog owners - they may ignore the laws in protest. If, on the other
hand, laws are perceived to be fair people will be more likely to
voluntarily comply. However, the impact of these programs can only
be limited without an access policy that is perceived to be fair by
dog owners.

So...

That dog owners are as
legitimate as any other special interest group, and that
their needs should be taken as an integral part of the
city's decision making process.

That integrating dog activities with
other park users allows for a more efficient and equitable
distribution of resources, whereas separation and
restrictions concentrate potential conflicts into isolated
areas, increasing the likelihood of overuse.

That dogs allowed to exercise off-leash - running with other
dogs, catching a ball, chasing a Frisbee, or working at
obedience training - are happier and healthier dogs.

That exercised dogs make better next door neighbors than
under-exercised dogs. Puppies and dogs that get enough
exercise through vigorous play are less likely to create a
nuisance, bark excessively, destroy property, or learn
anti-social behavior.

That in an era when people are often reluctant or afraid to
approach or converse with a stranger, off-leash exercise
areas bring people together and create a greater sense of
community.

That unduly restrictive
access policies are inequitable and likely to be
counterproductive in managing conflicts between law
enforcement and the large number of citizens who own dogs.
Further, punitive leash laws generally result in
non-compliance. If dog owners perceive an ordinance to be
harsh or unfair, it may elicit a defiant rather than a
compliant response. On the other hand, if dog owners
understand the reasons for restrictions relating to access
and accept them as reasonable, they will be more likely to
comply voluntarily.

That access to a public park or beach close to home is the
safest and most effective way to ensure that owners
socialize their dogs and provide them with on-going
experiences in the outside world.

That dogs provide a measure of security, both perceived and
real, to single women and elderly or handicapped persons who
most often fall victim to crime in parks.